Peace Corps names Texas State a top Hispanic-Serving Institution

The Peace Corps has named Texas State University one of the nation’s top volunteer-producing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) for 2014.

This year, Texas State ranked No. 7 with 12 alumni currently serving in the Peace Corps. Since the Peace Corps was established in 1961, 222 alumni from Texas State have traveled abroad to serve as volunteers.

“I applaud these Hispanic-Serving Institutions for promoting the value of service in their students and encouraging them to promote the rich diversity of the American people,” Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet said. “We want every American to know about the Peace Corps, so we are stepping up our outreach in under-represented communities so our volunteer force represents the beautiful multicultural nation that we are.”

The 12 Texas State alumni are serving in 11 countries. The Peace Corps’ Southwest Region is home to three of the top 10 HSIs in this year’s rankings.

The Peace Corps recently announced that it is expanding its staff to include diversity recruiters in each of its eight regional offices to field a broader volunteer force that represents the very best of the United States. The agency also has an Office of Diversity and National Outreach that aims to recruit a diverse pool of volunteers and build an inclusive culture that welcomes applicants and volunteers from all backgrounds.

The 2014 top Hispanic-Serving Institutions for Peace Corps volunteers are:

San Diego State University (33 currently serving volunteers)

California State University, Long Beach (31 currently serving volunteers)

*Rankings are calculated based on fiscal year 2013 data as of September 30, 2013, as self-reported by Peace Corps volunteers.

College graduates who have served with the Peace Corps gain hands-on experience and return home with cross-cultural, leadership, community development and language skills that help strengthen international ties and increase our country’s global competitiveness. Find the recruitment office near you by visiting the Peace Corps website at www.peacecorps.gov.

EDITORS NOTE: Media wishing to interview Texas State alumni who are currently serving in the Peace Corps should contact LaShonda Walker via email at lwalker2@peacecorps.gov.

About the Peace Corps

As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Peace Corps volunteers work at the grassroots level with local governments, schools, communities, small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions that address challenges in education, health, economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development. When they return home, volunteers bring their knowledge and experiences--and a global outlook--back to the United States that enriches the lives of those around them. President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961 to foster a better understanding among Americans and people of other countries. Since then, more than 215,000 Americans of all ages have served in 139 countries worldwide. Visit www.peacecorps.gov to learn more.